The PGA Championship will once again feature a long-drive competition.
Bubba Watson probably won’t pull 3-iron again.
The contest will be held on the 593-yard, par-5 second hole during Tuesday’s practice round at Whistling Straits. The winners get a money clip (inspired by Jack Nicklaus’ long-drive win in 1963), and the top three finishes will receive a $25,000, $15,000 or $10,000 charitable donation.
Last year, Watson, one of the Tour’s longest hitters, drew plenty of criticism when he opted not to play ball with the PGA, taking a long iron while every other competitor wailed away on a driver.
“I’m there to play golf,” he said afterward, “not to hit it far.”
The contest was won by Louis Oosthuizen, who hit his drive 340 yards at Valhalla.